Javier Mascherano says he tore his anus during semifinal against Netherlands

Maxi Rodriguez

Dirty TackleJuly 10, 2014

Netherlands' Arjen Robben (11) is challenged by Argentina's Javier Mascherano (14) during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between the Netherlands and Argentina at the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Netherlands' Arjen Robben (11) is challenged by Argentina's Javier Mascherano (14) during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between the Netherlands and Argentina at the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday, July 9, 2014. (AP Photo/Francois Xavier Marit, Pool)

That's right. After suffering an apparent concussion during the first half of Wednesday's semifinal, an injury that should have seen him taken off for the rest of the match, Mascherano went on to tear his anus late in extra-time. Booking a ticket to the World Cup Final is a dream for any soccer player, but a concussion and a torn anus are a heavy price to pay.

According to Mascherano, the incident occurred during Arjen Robben's late break down the flank in extra time that saw the Dutch midfielder near a clear shot on Argentina's Sergio Romero. Just as Robben was set to give the Dutch a 1-0 lead, Mascherano slid in with an inch-perfect tackle that sent the ball out of bounds and kept Argentina in the game. Describing the incident in the mixed zone after the match, Mascherano clarified why he doubled over in pain after making the tackle.

"I tore the anus.... I don't want to sound crude... Robben game me an opportunity when he took a touch; he lost a second and I won. What I did anyone could have done. To be in the final you need a bit of luck."